Syria remains the world’s largest and most complicated humanitarian crisis. As governments and international organisations gather to discuss the coming year’s aid to Syria, the Red Cross is helping people to return to a more normal life.

You wouldn’t usually find a fully-fitted beauty salon inside a small rented apartment in a suburb of Damascus, Syria’s capital.

But Amani and her friend Rouda set up just such a salon six months ago after attending a hairdressing course run by our partner, the Syrian Arab Red Crescent.

For Amani, becoming a hairdresser was a chance to pursue a dream and to support her family after losing her husband and home.

“When I heard about the course I signed up straight away,” she said.

“I had thought about becoming a hairdresser before I was married – I’d always had this idea. For me, it is like art.”

Amani, her husband and their two children fled to the suburb with nothing after fighting near their home in the countryside.

“When we left there was fighting, even very near to our home. There were mortars and gunshots and people died… I was afraid for my children,” Amani recalled.

After they reached safety, Amani’s husband returned home to bring some supplies. The family never saw him again.

Amani was recently told that he was dead, but she has no official confirmation.

“I am upset, even though we do not know for sure – but mostly I am sad for my children. Every time I look at them my heart hurts,” she said.

This is one reason why the hairdressing course has been so valuable to Amani.

Not only does it give women the skills and knowledge to earn an income for their family, it also restores a sense of dignity and self-esteem.